Gabon’s Senate has voted to decriminalise homosexuality after the countries lower house proposed a change in the law last week.
Under a 2019 law, Gabon was one of 73 countries or jurisdictions around the world, including more than two dozen in Africa, that criminalise same sex acts.
LGBT+ & human rights activist Peter Tatchell welcomed the news and said:
“This is a magnificent victory for LGBT+ people in Gabon and across Africa. It bucks the trend in many African nations, like Nigeria and Uganda, where the repression of LGBT+ communities has intensified in recent years.
“Coming on top of Angola’s decriminalisation last year, it will give hope to the many brave LGBT+ campaigners throughout Africa that they can eventually win.
“This still leaves 72 countries and jurisdictions where same-sex relations remain a crimes, including 10 countries that have the death penalty for homosexuality.”
